New York State Has Power, but the City Is at Risk

0 Comments | Insight on the News, July 2, 2001 | by John Elvin

There is speculation that New York state may be next on the list for power shortages akin to those plaguing California. Not likely, according to a longtime senior energy-company executive who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Privately, we're not anticipating major problems in the state for the short term. In the long run, if the resistance to new nuclear plants continues, we could have problems." The official pointed to nearby Canada's huge hydroelectric resources as a backup for the state. As an aside, he praised the Canadian approach to electric power, which he termed far more functional on many levels than that of the United States.

Of course, says the left, Canada's power strictly is government-controlled, whereas the United States is experimenting with deregulation. The official says this country's efforts at both regulation and deregulation have been legislative and bureaucratic botches. He praised the professionalism of his Canadian colleagues who put production ahead of ecological fantasy.

What about New York City? "That's another story. The problem there is infrastructure, not supply. There's no way to meet peak demand, but that's due to the delivery system," according to our informant.

Taking a break from participating with the Rev. Al Sharpton in protests against the U.S. Navy's use of the Puerto Rican island of Vieques as a bombing target, New York Republican Gov. George Pataki warned that this summer could bring riots, looting and other forms of social unrest to the Big Apple. When the traffic lights, air conditioners, subways, elevators, refrigerators and other vital mechanisms of city life go out, havoc likely will follow, Pataki warned.

Pataki may not realize that he has at hand a secret weapon for controlling such problems. Several biographers and other commentators have noted the skills of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., in dealing with riotous behavior. Many years ago, when Yale students wanted to close the school to protest "the sufferings of Black Panthers, black Americans in general and dying Vietnamese peasants," it was Hillary Rodham who presided over a tumultuous meeting on a strike vote and "deftly kept the proceedings from degenerating into chaos," according to Joyce Milton in The First Partner. As things got worse and fires broke out, "Several witnesses recall seeing Hillary ... doing her best to calm nervous students." So, you see, governor, no problem. When the lights go out, just holler for Hillary.